.GQL File Extension
GraphQL Source Code File
| Developer | The GraphQL Foundation |
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What is a GQL file?
A GQL file is a text file that contains source code written in the GraphQL query language. It may contain GraphQL operations, such as queries, mutations, and subscriptions, that specify the data an application wants to retrieve or modify. GQL files can also contain fragments or definitions that describe the types and fields available through a GraphQL service.
More Information
GraphQL is a query language and system that applications use to communicate with data services through APIs. For example, a mobile app can use GraphQL to request a user's name, profile picture, and recent messages from a web API in a single request.
Developers use GraphQL to describe the data their applications need and often store GQL files alongside other source-code files in a software project. This allows them to keep GraphQL operations and definitions separate from the application's other code. GQL files can be used with applications written in different programming languages and running on different operating systems.
NOTE: While the .gql extension is used for GraphQL files, the .graphql extension (.GRAPHQL files) is more common. However, the GraphQL specification does not require a particular file extension.
How to open a GQL file
You can open GQL files with any text editor or source-code editor, such as Microsoft Visual Studio Code, to view and edit their contents. GraphQL development tools and IDE extensions can provide features such as syntax highlighting, validation, and code completion for GQL files. Tools such as GraphiQL can also help developers write and test GraphQL requests by sending them to a GraphQL service (e.g., GitHub GraphQL API) and displaying the results.